HEALING DOESN’T HAVE TO HAPPEN ALONE
Welcome to concussionbox.org. This is a platform where people recovering from concussions and those supporting them can find a community. Listen to people who had a concussion reflect on their recovery, or hear someone whose family member had a concussion reflect on their experience, or get the perspective of a medical professional. Feel free to use the tags and the search bar to find stories with specific themes. Every story on this website is available in both audio and written form. Let’s make this isolating injury a little less lonely, one story at a time.
About Us
What We Do
Concussion Box is a an organization dedicated to making the experience of having a concussion just a little less isolating. We have an online audio library of concussion stories. Hear from current concussion patients, those who have already recovered, medical professionals, and friends and family who have supported a loved one with a concussion. The audio format allows listeners to adjust the volume, close their eyes, and pause at any point.
Why We Do It
Humans survive in communities. When someone goes through a hard experience, having a strong community can bring them endless comfort and hope. Concussions hinder people from finding community. Usually, when someone is looking for connection, they can go talk to a friend, watch a video, or read a book about others who are going through similar experiences. A concussion makes those methods of connection painful, if not impossible. But it doesn’t have to be this lonely. Concussion Box is dedicated to finding creative ways to support concussion patients and their loved ones through the recovery process.
Where We’re Going
We are a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit. As we continue to expand, we plan on launching several new initiatives such as recovery gift boxes, specialized concussion meditation recordings, and physical community centers where those who are recovering can recover together. Help us achieve our goals by spreading the word, submitting a story, and donating.
Who We Are
In the beginning of high school, I took a soccer cleat to the head and spent the following year of my life recovering. I felt so isolated. Now, with many years of distance and seeing several friends suffer from concussions too, I’ve come to see that the very nature of concussions prevents people from finding a sense of community. Concussion Box is my way of trying to change that.
When I’m not working on Concussion Box, I attend Wesleyan University, play frisbee, run, backpack, and cook.
I am a practicing Physical Therapist, wife, and mother of two daughters in Vacaville, CA. I have worked in the rehab world for over 22 years, and have been a licensed PT for 11 of those years. Currently, I am a board certified specialist in Orthopedics and greatly enjoy treating athletes. In 2015, I began working at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, where I was trained in treating concussion patients. I later helped lead the concussion program and have provided numerous lectures at schools regarding post concussion syndrome. I also greatly enjoy dancing, playing with my children, kayaking, playing piano, and cooking.
I experienced multiple concussions during college, which led to a challenging recovery and the postponement of my final semester. This personal journey ignited my passion to support those suffering from post-concussive syndrome. Post-college, I’ve worked in strategy and innovation, helping numerous companies develop new products and services. I’m currently an Associate Director of Strategy at a start-up called Proto.
When I’m not working on Concussion Box, you’ll find me hiking, scuba diving, or performing with my improv troupe.
At the beginning of high school, one of my closest friends received a severe concussion.Watching her slow recovery was incredibly painful because I felt so utterly useless. In my first year of college, I got concussed playing rugby. Recovering in a new place while I was still solidifying friendships and adjusting to the intense academic rigor was one of the most isolating experiences of my life.
Working with Concussion Box allows me to help those suffering from concussions feel less alone while granting family and friends educational opportunities to better understand and support recovering loved ones. I am excited to explore the intersection between storytelling and data analysis to help Concussion Box better reach those it can benefit the most.
Outside of Concussion Box, I also am working on the civil rights court case surrounding the
Dakota Access Pipeline by conducting some data analysis. You can also find me playing rugby, soccer, writing, and climbing!
(Social Media Manager)
I’m a neuroscience and behavior student at Wesleyan University with a deep interest in brain health and the ways it impacts our daily lives. I’ve always enjoyed film and creating content for fun on my own, so when I saw the opportunity to make real content for a purpose I truly believe in, I knew I wanted to be part of Concussion Box. I’m excited to help spread its message and create content that makes people feel less alone in their experiences. Outside of Concussion Box, I sing, play piano, and am part of the ballet club at school!
I am deeply passionate about the human brain and all things related to psychology. Working with Concussion Box allows me to use the power of storytelling to uplift and connect those affected by concussions. I am dedicated to inspiring others to share their concussion experiences and helping them see the transformative power of their stories.
Outside of Concussion Box, I am a student at Fordham University pursuing a degree in Psychology with a minor in Bioethics. I enjoy reading, running, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.
sofiac@concussionbox.org
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